The alliance formed by the local rulers offers a clear window into the political landscape of the region during that era. Rather than a unified empire, the area consisted of independent cities, each maintaining its own self-government. While certain rulers naturally held higher status or influence than others, no single city was officially subordinate to another [ביאור שטיינזלץ].
Among these independent powers is the city of Jerusalem. The traditional written form of the city's name throughout the Bible is uniquely brief, missing a letter that is nonetheless always pronounced. This specific spelling is not a mere coincidence, but a reflection of the profound origins of the city's title. Historically, Abraham named the location "Yireh," whereas Shem, the son of Noah, called it "Shalem." To honor both figures, God combined their chosen names, officially calling the city Jerusalem [מנחת שי].